While the coach should announce next week a first group of 42 players to prepare for the next 6 Nations Tournament, the Blues of the Top 14, for the most part, shone during the 14th day this weekend. Enough to give Fabien Galthié a smile, but also a few headaches.
Inspiring return for Baille, new lease of life for Hastoy
After six months of absence, Cyril Baille played again. In a nod to destiny, he was the captain of Stade Toulouse Saturday evening against the team against whom he was seriously injured last season in the semi-final of the championship. The right pillar, certainly lacking competition, however brilliantly led a (very) young Toulouse team without complexes and very close to defeating a convalescent Stade Rochelais, which was able to count on the new good performances of its third lines Grégory Damn it et Oscar Jegouand on the decisive kick ofAntoine Hastoy. The fly-half was sidelined by Ronan O'Gara at the start of the Champions Cup, with the Irishman preferring Ihaia West. Lacking confidence, the former Pau player returned at half-time, and scored the winning penalty at the siren with composure. A fair reward for his successful entry into a delicate collective context.
Le Garrec survives, Ollivon becomes disillusioned
If Racing did not lose even more heavily in Toulon, it owes it largely to the performance of Nolann Le Garrec. The international scrum-half scored two tries against the RCT on Saturday, and was clearly above the rest. He had a hell of a duel with Baptiste Serinwho was able to rely on a much more dominant pack. Toulon's new improved victory was contrasted with exit due to injury of Charles Ollivon. And there is concern for the former captain of the XV of France, who was quickly injured and who may have a serious knee injury. A big tile a few weeks before the launch of the 6 Nations Tournament.
The Girondins shine, Bielle-Biarrey overflows
Before discussing the new brilliant victory of the UBB this season, we also highlight the performance of Yacouba Camara with Montpellier. Decisive week after week, it is one of the major explanations for the revival of the MHR. The third row has not played for the French team since 2019, but he clearly has the international level at the moment.
In Bordeaux too, there are some who have this famous international level. The Gironde arrows never stop shining. Against Paris to Jean-Bouin, Romain Buros, Nicolas Depoortere, Louis Bielle-Biarrey or even Maxime Luca all had their importance in the impressive victory of the new championship leader. Special mention to the back of the Blues, who made a remarkable return after two months of absence from the club. And also to the young winger of the Blues, author of two tries on two crossings and four defenders beaten.
France
